Super-size it! That’s something Nancy rarely said at a restaurant, but often when quilting. Nancy started with a traditional quilt pattern and expanded the size. This no-fat super technique adds drama to a quilt project, but also saves time on piecing. Over the past Sewing With Nancy seasons, Nancy recorded several episodes featuring super-sized quilts. She decided to include her favorite dramatic quilts in the The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts series, bringing back the recorded segments from past shows. Find the complete two-part series, book, DVD and template collection at Nancy’s Notions.

Lone Star Quilts

Early in her quilting career, Nancy made a Lone Star Wall Quilt as a wedding gift. Nancy almost didn’t give the gift away, as she was somewhat embarrassed that not all the seams met in the center. After all, she was Sewing With Nancy, what would people think! Later Nancy became eager to show you the same quilt block, this time with a technique that’s practically guaranteed to cause pride, not embarrassment. Nancy broke the rules and shared her tips with you in the The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts.

Whether you choose a traditional arrangement or mix it up a bit with a contemporary design, these quilts can be easily created without Y-seams. Both quilts are variations of the Lone Star block, which is based on eight pointed diamond shapes. All of these quilts are made with a template trio, Trace ’n Create Lone Star Template.

Dresden Quilt

The title of this quilt design is Sew Grand Dresden. Nancy looked back over past Sewing With Nancy titles and realized that she never used the word grand before! With meanings such as majestic and impressive, it sounds a bit boastful. Yet grand appropriately describes the large, 38″ Dresden plate appliquéd in the center and four 16″ Dresden plates, that frame the center motif. The larger Dresden appliqués can be stitched in approximately the same amount of time as smaller blocks, one of the bonuses to super-sizing your quilt blocks. Dresden wedges can easily be created in any size with the help of Sew Grand Dresden Templates.

Although one of the most recognizable traditional quilt patterns, Dresden designs can also shine in a contemporary setting. In this next quilt, Twirling Parasols, Nancy used only solid fabrics to create a color-blocked background and Dresden wheels. Notice how the same colors were used in the background and foreground; this creates the illusion that the foreground shapes are floating.

While fantastic for appliqué and larger quilts, Dresden designs look great in any circle or round project including table toppers and Christmas tree skirt designs.

It is always difficult for me to fit a pattern. I have so many stored away, including my mother’s from the 40s and 50s, that I would love to make, but they never turn out because of the fitting issue. I would love to know all the tips to get it right!

72 Comments

I’ve never quilted anything before, but I always thought it would be fun to do. I especially love the Lonestar quilts!

Michelle HallMay 22, 2018

i have some Christmas projects I want to try to get started. I really like the Giant Dresden idea for a tree skirt

Mary Ann StauffacherMay 20, 2018

I am working on a “white river rafting” quilt that I started last fall and just started another quilt last week. These tools would be so helpful rather than trying to fudge the pieces with the tools I already have on hand. Love the tree skirt idea!

Linda CejnarMay 20, 2018

I am continuing to work on a quilt in my spare time, which isn’t often. It is a queen sized Memory block quilt made from Kate Spain fabrics. I would love to try my hand at a Lone Star quilt. They are my favorite, but just look so hard to make!

L WatsonMay 20, 2018

I love Clover products, and have the Dresden templates already which I am very excited about.

Anne ZMay 18, 2018

I would love to create a supersized Modern Lone Star quilt. I think the possibilities are endless.

Marie KozmaMay 18, 2018

I really like the thought if super-sizing. There are so many possibilities! And getting piecing done quickly using this method means I can create quilts faster. So many quilts and so little time…..

LindaMay 18, 2018

The twirling parasols are gorgeous. I love to experiment and the bigger the challenge, the better I like it. Dresden designs are one project I’ve shied away from and I’m ready to give it a try!!

Cynthia TMay 18, 2018

We just moved but I hope to get back into sewing soon. I promised my son and future daughter in law a wedding quilt for next April. I can’t wait to get started!

Nancy RunnelsMay 17, 2018

I am putting together my first sampler quilt and yes, king size. I chose to do it scrappy with the courthouse block to tie it together.

stephanie WoodwardMay 17, 2018

I am ready to make a Dresden Plate quilt this spring. I love those quilts, but I also like the Twirling Parasols one a lot, I will have to play. O, I do so love to experiment.

Mary WallisMay 17, 2018

I would like to make a lone Star quilt this summer. These tools on the giveaway would be great!

Mary WallisMay 17, 2018

I would like to stay a lone Star quilt this summer. These tools on the giveaway would be great!

Gail BeamMay 17, 2018

Quilted covers for my serger and embroidery machines. Thanks for the chance to win this set of quilted templates. I could really use this set.

Mary EllenMay 17, 2018

As much as I love star quilts, I would never attempt it because of the “Y” seams. Your Super Size demo is wonderful and would be wonderful in patriotic colors.

MaxMay 17, 2018

A Dresden quilt is on the list.

MarthaMay 17, 2018

I just bought fabric for a floral Lone Star, so this posting is timely. I actually made a “disaster” Lone Star in 1976 (did NOT give it as the wedding gift it was intended to be) and haven’t made one since, so it is time to do so again by taking more time and getting it right. I definitely like the “super size” idea!

Doris BryarlyMay 17, 2018

I would love to make the Dresden Quilt. Love to watch Nancy’s tv shows. I did her block of the month last year. Love it and love Nancy.

Mary BMay 17, 2018

I have several projects in mind, but would really like to tackle a “Dahlia” quilt.

Jennifer MartinMay 17, 2018

I have been searching for a block suitable to use with polyester fabric, and I think the Lone Star big block would be perfect. It would be great to have those templates to use for that project!

Jacque HornerMay 17, 2018

I would love to make a quilt with a super-sized Carolina Lily in the center. These templates would make it much easier.

Judy GMay 17, 2018

I love Lone Star quilts! Actually, I love any quilt featuring stars. In fact, the one quilt I made for my own bed has star blocks joined by chained blocks.

Ann MarieMay 17, 2018

I am machine appliqueing for the first time right now…a baby boy quilt. So far, so good! And, a giant quilt is on my list!

Linda JanovitzMay 17, 2018

Such timing ! Monday I am attending a Lone Star class to make a large lap quilt. I LOVE stars!! So next it would be wonderful to make a super sized star quilt with these great templates. Thank You for the opportunity.

Kit RitterMay 17, 2018

I am now working on a small paper pieced wall hanging for a friend. It has tiny rose buds featured on it.
This blog on supersize quilts reminds me that it was back in 2014 that Nancy had guest Debbie Bowles teaching a class with her. I made a quilt and it was featured on her blog! I was so thrilled and honored to be mentioned. I think of Nancy often as the quilt is still on my bed.

Patricia PhaiahMay 17, 2018

This spring I am starting to repair a quilt that was made in the 1950′s. I have looked for just the right fabric. It is a Grandmother’s flower garden.

Detra BraymenMay 17, 2018

I need to finish up my grandson’s quilt. It is the Disappearing Pinwheel Arrow quilt and is made in Marvel superhero’s fabrics!

Mary Power-BurkeMay 17, 2018

Currently working on a baby girl quilt for a friend of my son’s, just finished a baby girl quilt for a niece and next up is a baby boy quilt for a friend’s son….tis the season, right??
Would love to try the Lone Star quilt.

Sharon LucarelliMay 17, 2018

I have been looking at the Dresden patterns on Pintrest and saw the twirling parasol quilt. It looked way too complicated for me to try, however if Nancy promotes it, I can do it!

Charlotte BrownMay 17, 2018

I am working on a disappearing nine patch for my granddaughter. I would love to try a super-sized quilt next.

Edna MarksMay 17, 2018

Would like to do a tree skirt and the super sized Dresden would be perfect for that.

Mia AckersonMay 17, 2018

I am working on 6 quilts for a family reunion in June. #5 is a disappearing 9 patch.

JoanieMay 17, 2018

I am working on a nine patch quilt with my granddaughter. We hope to finish it before school starts in late August. She is 9 years old and she really can sew pretty good already. I do have the Nancy Zieman seam guides on the bed of her sewing machine, they really help her a lot.

SusanMay 17, 2018

Having just finished a library quilt for one granddaughter, I will be starting on a quilt for her sister. She has asked for a tree with hearts for leaves, with her family members’ names in the hearts. Wish me luck!

The Lone Star is one of my favorites. I made one many years ago and it is still unfinished because I could not get the center points to match. I still hold on to the piece thinking I will again attempt to match that illusive perfect center. Maybe making a Supersized Lone Star Quilt would be the way to go.

BonnieMay 17, 2018

Even though star quilts are my favorite, I have never made a super-sized one. The Trace n’ Create Loan Star Quilt Templates would simplify my quilting projects. I am currently making a patriotic star wall hanging for the 4th of July. Thanks for the great giveaway!

BethMay 17, 2018

I plan to finally start and make great progress on a paper pieced wall hanging that has been waiting for me for a while.

Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous prize!

PatMay 17, 2018

I am starting on a Christmas quilt this spring. I am a very slow sewer and feel that I will be able to get the project done in time for Christmas decorating if I start now.

KarenMay 17, 2018

The lone star is on my bucket list along with so many other projects! This blog has inspired me so much!

Thank you for sharing the super sized quilt patterns. I’m at an age where larger patterns are more easy to look at/work with.

Susan SpiersMay 17, 2018

I have two Lone Star quilt kits, a small one & a larger one! These ideas have inspired me to combine them into one larger quilt! Thank you!

Dj MerrittMay 17, 2018

I would love to make tbe Lonestar quilt. I think it is the greatest of all star quilts.

BonnyeMay 17, 2018

I would like to make Dresden Christmas skirts for family members.

TwylaMay 17, 2018

Super sized quilts in Dresden and Lone Star would be a great idea for gifting quilts. Thanks for the opportunity!

Barbara GrossMay 17, 2018

Am currently working on a lone star wall hanging – oh my – those Y seams – but it is coming along! I had my husband cut me out a diamond template because I could not find one arge enough – looks like your super size one would work,

BonnyMay 17, 2018

These would be so helpful. My current project is lap quilts that are donated using the fabric my sister-in-law gave to me before she passed away. I have made 35 so far and still have lots of fabric to use. Love new ideas.

Donna FecteauMay 17, 2018

I love the idea of super sized quilts. I would love to make one for my spare bedroom.

BeverlyMay 17, 2018

I have wanted to take on a lone star quilt, but having seen quilting friends agonize over their seams I have not done so. Nancy always had very clear instructions, so I’m sure with these tools I would be successful.

JudieMay 17, 2018

Love super size- quilts! I start so many projects because I see so many quilts I want to make, so making the super-size quilts would help me to finish projects faster.

beth d.May 17, 2018

The template would sure helped me to make a Dresden plate or lone star, I would definitely make a big quilt.

Jean PalionisMay 17, 2018

This set of templated surely would be a wonderful addition to my humble attempts at quilting. Thank you.

ClovisMay 17, 2018

Any quilt would be good to start on. I have two that I need to put together. Thanks for the chance to win.

Janet K MageeMay 17, 2018

The Dresden pattern would be my first one. Then I think I would go on to make the Twirling Parasols. Nancy Zieman is the best. She will forever be an inspiration.

Helen GranthamMay 17, 2018

I love the oversized blocks. Sure would make a quilt or table topper go together fast!